Western Illinois man sentenced to 3 years for aggravated battery

BARRY - A western Illinois man who pleaded guilty in August to the aggravated battery of a woman with Alzheimer's disease has been sentenced to three years in prison.

On Monday, Robert Cawthon, 62, received his sentence, the maximum allowed under the plea agreement, in Adams County court. In addition to the prison sentence, Cawthon was also ordered to pay restitution of about $13,400 for the victim's medical bills.

During the hearing, an assistant state's attorney showed photos of the victim after the attack. He also said the woman had Alzheimer's disease, and that Cawthon picked a victim who would have difficulty reporting the events.

However, Cawthon's attorney says that he should have received probation because he has various medical conditions and didn't have a criminal record.